Challenges facing seed banks and agriculture in relation to seed quality

Seeds form a convenient vehicle for storage of germplasm, both for agricultural purposes and conservation of wild species. When required, seeds can be taken from storage and germinated, and plants can be propagated for the desired purpose, e.g., crop production or biome restoration. However, seed dormancy often interferes with stand establishment or industrial utilization in crops and germination of wild species. An anticipated termination of dormancy [i.e., before crop harvest] also occurs, with preharvest sprouting as a consequence. In order to overcome these problems, a better understanding of dormancy is required. This chapter is devoted to discuss the achievement of such understanding in problematic species.